Mahim halwa is an Indian sweet (translated as "layered semolina sweet") named after Mahim, an area in Mumbai. It is also known as Ice Halwa.
It is named so because it was created by the sweetmeat makers Joshi Budhakaka from Mahim. It is a food speciality that Mumbai is famous for. It has been described as a "unique confection of thin layers of sweet dough pressed into compact squares and separated by sheets of greaseproof paper".
A 2010 news story reported attempts to obtain geographical indication registration for the sweet.
This flat, palm sized melt-in-the-mouth goodness invented by a family of sweetmeat and snacks makers who migrated from Jamnagar, now in Gujarat, has had among its fans: Naval Tata, Dhirubhai Ambani, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Mehboob Khan and also some of the most notorious underworld dons who lived in Mahim.
Giridhar Mavji began experimenting with making sweets. The corn flour based sticky Karachi halwa, which came in square lumps was quite popular. He tried making his sweet with wheat flour instead and discovered ways of giving it unique Indian flavours using influences from his own Bhavnagri roots as well as others from the local community he was living in.
While his original creation continues to be the fastest-selling item, newer variants with pineapple extract and anjeer have an equally huge fan following at the shop that also sells barfi – mango, butterscotch, blackcurrant and ice halwa – and namkeens – kachori, farsan and gaathiya, which are counted among Mumbai's best.
At the core of this exquisite dessert lies wheat, which is soaked and ground to create a silky-smooth base. Ghee, a clarified butter that imparts richness and aroma, is then added to the mixture, followed by sugar, saffron, and a medley of dry fruits and nuts. The ingredients are carefully cooked on a slow flame, allowing them to infuse and form a harmonious symphony of flavours. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth treat that is both indulgent and addictive.